Tumu Whakarae | Executive Director

• Hands-on leader driving strategy, operational delivery and outcomes
• Established peak body advancing health equity, excellence & strong membership
• Lead transformation and change to deliver meaningful impact

About the role

Reporting to the President, Te Ahi Kaa (Cultural Engagement Lead) and National Executive, the Executive Director will provide strategic leadership and oversee the effective day-to-day management and operations of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC). The role will champion professional standards, community accessibility and quality in counselling services, while supporting workforce development and contributing to improved mental health and wellbeing outcomes for all people across Aotearoa NZ.        

A key focus will also be strengthening member value and engagement, building strong relationships with members, stakeholders and government, and ensuring NZAC continues to effectively represent and support the counselling profession.

As Executive Director, you will lead NZAC through a period of transformation, ensuring its systems, processes and policies are fit for purpose and aligned with its strategic direction. You’ll build trust and confidence, provide clear and purposeful leadership, and bring people with you as the organisation evolves and grows.

This is a broad, influential position spanning governance support, professional standards oversight, member services, policy development, stakeholder engagement, continuous improvement and organisational sustainability.

What you’ll do

• Lead the implementation of the NZAC’s strategic plan
• Support the National Executive and strategic planning, compliance, reporting and policy
• Lead day-to-day operations, including financial oversight, organisational performance, risk, systems, policies, digital infrastructure, and continuous improvement
• Lead the review and improvement of NZAC’s systems, processes and policies
• Support NZAC’s self-regulatory function, including professional standards, ethics, credentialling, complaints, and scope of practice
• Oversee the delivery of continuing professional development events for members
• Support relevant operational committees (e.g. Ethical, Education, Membership, Supervision)
• Provide leadership on issues management and advocacy efforts
• Strengthen communications, member engagement and public profile
• Prepare high-quality written materials and accountability reports
• Represent NZAC at relevant meetings and forums
• Build and maintain relationships and partnerships with NZAC’s branch committees, advisory groups, special interest groups, PR agency, sector stakeholders, government agencies, Tangata Whenua and Tangata Tiriti
• Support NZAC’s key projects and initiatives (i.e. website redevelopment, membership enhancements, workforce development, etc)
• Work alongside Te Ahi Kaa to promote the aspirations of Te Rōpu Māori and embed NZAC’s commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi across policy and practice.

What we’re looking for

• Proven strategic leadership and planning within a professional association, membership-based organisation, regulatory environment, or not-for-profit sector
• Proven experience working with voluntary, governance boards and committees, and sound understanding of good governance best practice
• Strong understanding of member-led environment, with a genuine focus on delivering meaningful value, engagement and positive outcomes for members
• Strong financial stewardship capability, balancing member value, mission, risk management and long-term financial sustainability
• Experience in regulatory, credentialing or professional standards environments is desirable
• Ability to connect the dots and translate vision into clear priorities, practical plans, operational delivery and measurable impact
• Proven experience leading and developing high-performing teams
• Ability to build and maintain meaningful relationships across diverse stakeholders at all levels
• Experience developing policies, preparing clear written advice, and delivering high-quality accountability reporting
• Experience leading organisations through transformation and change, with ability to build trust, communicate clear direction, and bring people with you
• Confident, resilient and adaptable, with the ability to navigate challenging and complex situations with professionalism, empathy and sound judgement
• Politically astute, with ability to anticipate change, understand emerging sector trends, identify risks and opportunities, and navigate complex and evolving environments
• A genuine commitment to advancing health equity and inclusion, improving health outcomes and protecting public safety for all
• Demonstrated understanding and commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, with experience embedding bicultural and culturally responsive practices
• Experience in the health, disability, or education sectors would also be highly advantageous.

Why join NZAC?    

Established in 1974, the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC) is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest professional association for counsellors, representing more than 4,000 members. As a member-led organisation and professional self-regulatory body, NZAC supports counsellors throughout their professional journey –from student training through to retirement. NZAC plays an important role in strengthening the counselling profession, supporting its members, upholding high standards of professional and ethical practice, and advocating for accessible, high-quality counselling services across Aotearoa NZ.

NZAC is committed to working in a way that reflects the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and to supporting a counselling profession that contributes positively to the mental health and wellbeing of people across Aotearoa.

This is a permanent full-time position (40 hours) based at NZAC’s national office in Wellington Central. NZAC offers a competitive salary and five weeks’ annual leave, and opportunities for domestic travel to attend NZAC meetings, events and conferences

How to apply          

Attention your CV and a cover letter to Ngan Nguyen by Sunday 20 September 2026.     

A position description is available on our website at mclaren.co.nz or call us on 04 499 1069.

Once applications have closed, we will commence the shortlisting process, which can take up to two weeks.  We will be in touch with you regarding your application during this time.    

View the position description by copying this link into your browser: https://mclaren.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/NZAC-PD-Executive-Director-August-2026.pdf